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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019
Fine Furniture Runway Collection: How many lighting fixtures do you think this dining room has?
Indoor and outdoor lighting design must be focused on energy efficiency. If you’re about to construct your dream home, then you should take ample time designing the lighting fixtures that you will install.
Designing the Indoor Lights
When you’re designing the indoor lighting and you want to optimize energy efficiency, you should consider adding more light. The quantity that you bring in also counts just as much as light quality.
Install LED or fluorescent lighting on the ceilings and walls. Take time design the light in key areas such as the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, the hallway and other high-traffic areas.
You can also use portable LEDs and CFLs that are going to be used for two hours each day. Be sure to find the Energy Star labeled lights. Invest also in occupancy sensors that would automatically turn your lights on or off.
Consider the light walls because these will minimize the need to use artificial lights. If you’re thinking of using recessed lights on your ceilings, use UL or Underwriters Lab approved fixtures only. These are airtight so they meet all ASTM (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) requirements.
Measure the ceiling height so you will know how to properly hang the lighting fixtures. There are lights that already come with adjustable rods or cables but there are also those that don’t so be sure to do your measurements.
The rule of thumb is, the bottom of your lighting fixtures must hang at about 12-20 inches below an eight-foot ceiling.
When you’re hanging a light over a kitchen island or a dining table, take note that the recommended distance is 28-34 inches from the lighting fixture’s bottom to the table surface. Note the size of your lighting fixture, though.
A smaller light may be hung lower while a bigger one can be placed higher.
When adding new pendant lights, consider if you can use cord swags. These can provide an industrial feel to the kitchen.
Light the stair risers so that no one would trip when he or she goes up or down the stairs.
Play with colors. A bright, colorful light in a neutral room will surely be interesting to see. Decorative lighting can also help in adding mood to the space.
Design for Outdoor Lighting
When you’re designing outdoor lights, you should consider aesthetics, utility and security.
For aesthetic lighting, make sure that the exteriors of your home are properly illuminated giving emphasis to areas such as a plot of garden or a beautiful landscape.
As for utility, be sure to put ample lighting on the driveway and the porch. These lights will help the people navigate around the house. Security-wise, the grounds must also be illuminated whether on the driveway or all around the house.
Energy efficient outdoor lighting needn’t be bright. Use fluorescent or LED lighting for energy efficiency. Think if you can have a few floodlights installed. Combine these with motion and photo sensors.
Check also that the outdoor lighting fixtures come with reflectors, covers or deflectors. Any of these will help reduce light pollution outdoors. Make good use of controls and timers so that decorative lighting can also be turned on and off.
Some of the lights that are commonly used to improve the outdoor setting are –
Lighting, as cliché as it may sound, can make or break the design of your home. Lighting can increase the ambiance as well as the mood of any space whether you’re illuminating outdoors or indoors. If you get it correctly, you get the assurance that your home will look at its best.
Tags: designing the lights, home lighting, lighting plan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on What Is the Best Lighting Plan?
Monday, October 9th, 2017
Meritage Marion Dining Chair: The beautiful interplay of light and shadow makes this dining room both cozy yet airy.
When you are asked to brighten up a dim room, what’s your immediate reaction? Do you instantly think of bringing in more lights? The great news is, this is not the only way to brighten up an otherwise dim area. Here are other ways –
Depend on White
To brighten up a cave-like room, don’t immediately turn to mirrors. While mirrors reflect light, they do not scatter light, hence you will need a lot of mirrors to make a dim room brighter.
To scatter light, use lots of white. Since this is not even considered a color, it does not absorb any hues. White bounces off as much light as it can. This would mean brighter surfaces especially when you have an all-white ceiling and walls.
To be more aggressive about this project, you don’t have to stop with the ceilings and walls. Consider putting other white elements like white frames for your art, white furnishing, white bedding, and white curtains.
Experiment with Cool Blue
The cool shades of blue are cooler than the usual yellow tone of incandescent light bulbs. Blue light gives a different crispness to the surroundings, plus it easily reminds us of the skies.
Apart from adding blue, you can also opt for a light bulb update. Use cool daylight colors on your bulbs. True white bulbs achieve the coolest, freshest, and brightest in any room.
Add Wall Lights
Let’s go ahead and wash your walls with more light. Light washing the walls will guarantee edges that are bright so be sure to add sconces that have shades aiming downward and upward. You will soon see that despite the lack of windows in, say, the bedroom, that it still looks illuminated.
When adding lights, consider adding lights also closer to your walls. These will cast down or pour light onto your walls. This will be a beautiful way to highlight features such as your kitchen cabinets.
You can also resort to under cabinet lighting which creates the same effect. Adding this glow will balance the edges which will solve the shadows created by the bulky cabinets.
When you’re planning to brighten a den or the laundry room, try to replace the pendant or flush-mount light with a semi-flush which hangs just below the ceiling. This should help diffuse the light across the ceiling almost like the bright effects of a skylight.
Picture lights can also brighten up walls while making a focal point of your artwork.
Balance with Black
It may seem ironic that you’re asked to use black when you are aiming to brighten up a room but charcoal black can make surrounding areas appear lighter and brighter. Black makes other hues pop so use black chairs, photos in black frames, or doses of black patterns on fabrics.
Add blue to your charcoal black (more particularly navy blue) and you’d have achieved a beachy vibe.
Balancing between shadows and light is a natural interplay that you should not interrupt. Offer balance by understanding depth while adding a sense of life to the rooms in your home.
A Colorful Rug on Dark Flooring
Laminate or dark hardwood flooring is a wonderful addition to any home but their dark vibe can drain light out of your space. To avoid this, especially in tight corridors, you might want to roll out a runner rug in a lighter tone. This should break up the dark hue and create an airier and richer zone.
Or Just Use Blond Woods
If you’re really into hardwood floors but do not want to go for the darker ones, then opt for pale woods. These will surely liven up your space. Once installed, just throw in some potted plants and your home will be the sunniest space there is.
Tags: brightening up rooms, home lighting, improving home lighting
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on Brightening Up a Dim Room with These 6 Awesome Elements
Monday, October 31st, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Tamworth 5 Light Silver Champagne Chandelier 21268
The chandelier is a lighting fixture that has two or more branches that bear lights. Gone are those days when it was a mere wooden cross beam complete with metal spikes to hold the lighted candles. Nowadays you won’t see chandeliers hoisted up with a rope or chains. These lovely lighting fixtures have evolved into charming pieces with different designs.
Chandeliers, these days, are not just used for lighting but also for aesthetic purposes.
Adding Ambience with Chandeliers
Needless to say, this lighting fixture that’s designed to float inside a room is a great design element. This can easily serve as a centerpiece in any space.
If you’ve seen the film What A Girl Wants, you would find one of the characters there boasting of his lovely chandelier to his guests. It’s not just a conversation catalyst but also something that he got accustomed to being arrogant about.
Chandeliers can also spell luxury in so many ways. They are unequalled when it comes to lighting elegance.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Finely Cast Brass, Iron And Penshell Empire Chandelier 1954-010
Picking the Right Chandelier
There are many things that you need to consider when purchasing your first chandelier. Think of materials, different sizes, and light emission when you are out to determine the best chandelier for your room.
There are horizontal and vertical sizes. Know that buying a large fixture could mean an overwhelmed space. Purchasing one that’s too small, though, means it could look insignificant if not unremarkable.
The size and design of the chandelier will also eventually affect the way the fixture will be hung. If you want an elaborate chandelier that would be hung inside a spacious dining room, for instance, then be sure to take the time to do some measurements.
Hold a tape measure to a height that you think would work for your chosen chandelier. Here are some general guidelines –
The length by which a chandelier must hang is dependent on the height of the ceiling. The bottom part of the fixture must not hang more than seven inches from off the floor. If there are windows, then be sure to put the chandelier at the center where it can be seen from the outside.
The Correct Chandelier Materials
Since chandeliers easily become the focal points in room, then you must know what sort of materials would enhance the room. Candle and crystal combinations make the most nostalgic visions. Glass and crystal, on the other hand, are quite popular in the creation of romantic settings. They are also indicative of wealth and luxury.
The use of antler chandeliers brings to mind those days past when life was simple and lighting was as basic. The rustic design that these offer are perfect for log cabins and those rural lodges; they are also great for a more antiqued look.
You can also invest in metal chandeliers. These come in wrought iron, brass, steel and silver. Add some stones, shells, beads and Capiz and you’d have achieved a fancy lighting piece. Metal chandeliers often look great in modern and contemporary homes. The less ornaments used, the more fitting the lighting fixture is for a modern setting.
Be careful in choosing the colors of your chandeliers. The most famous finishes now are black, gold, silver and brushed bronze. There are also neutral-colored pieces that would easily suit your design scheme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, chandelier, chandeliers, designing with chandeliers, home lighting, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 18th, 2016
FFDM’s Sunset Canyon Collection shows the beautiful color of the fall season in this wood ensemble.
Fall is definitely here. This only means that it’s time to look into pumpkin décor, spice lattes and wonderfully warm meals. So bring out the crockpot and your designing skills (okay maybe not in that order) because it’s time to transition the look of your home.
Your home is the perfect spot to decorate using fall elements. Decorating for this season means you have to embrace warm, beautiful colors, coziness and all that these bring, without forgetting to have fun in the process.
Here are some ways that you can start fall design –
Say Goodbye to Summer Bedding
One of the quickest ways to say hello to fall is to say goodbye to the previous season. Find something warmer for your bed; look for warmer colors and warmer elements. Think of comforters, duvets, colorful pillows and blankets.
Add some rugs, romantic lighting and homey décor.
Don’t worry about making your room too dark. Use window treatments to offset the artwork, furniture and lamps that you bring in. This is also that perfect moment to paint your bedroom with a more subdued coat of paint. You will be spending more time indoors so consider painting your home with the colors that you are most comfortable with.
Beautify the Windows
It’s time to spruce up your windows especially if you want to achieve fall vibes. Use curtain walls, embellishments and drapes. Sheer can be used as an overlay. Hanging curtains crosswise can also add a different level of visual interest.
The market is filled with curtains and other window embellishments. See which ones would suit your fall design. Be mindful of the materials, color and their functions. Find warm hues like ones that mimic nature. Look for fabrics that will make the room feel homier.
Add Candles and Warm Lighting
This is the perfect season to use a lot of candles. These can become decorative elements that have the capacity to make any space look cozier. If you are a DIY enthusiast, then this is the chance to get your family together and create your own string lights and candles.
Candles are also effective mood lights. These can effortlessly improve the ambience in your home. They can also smell nice – which is like hitting two birds with one stone.
The Uttermost Dining Room Mara Fireplace Screen Candleholder 20179 is the perfect element that would cap your focal point for the living room this spring.
Extra Blankets, Pillows and Throws
Since this is the perfect time to get cozy, it’s time to check out some local shops for pillows, throws and blankets. These are your best decorative elements for this season apart from the pumpkins, wreaths, dried fruits, and other festive crafts.
Sweet-Smelling All Around
What could be more wonderful than to come home in a place that’s sweet-smelling with breads, spices and crockpot meals. Add to the holiday euphoria by putting some essential oils inside the living room, bedroom, bathroom, and just about every room in your home. Lavender is one great option to begin with. It is not just a sweet-smelling scent, it is also antiseptic and has antibacterial properties.
Yes to Area Rugs
An area rug is also an essential décor that can be added to up the level of coziness this season. It does not have to be costly or fancy. Just invest in a few rugs that can add color and comfort where they’re needed.
An area rug can also effectively warm your feet during those extra cold mornings.
Alter the Landscape
This is also the season to cozy up your backyard and patio. It’s time to swap the bright lights and water elements with festive décor and candles. Add some lovely scents, potted plants, beautiful flowers, and shrubberies.
Clay artwork as well as bright pillows may also be used to improve the outdoors during fall.
Tags: candelabra, candelabrum, decorating with candles, designing for fall, fall decor, fall design, fall interior design, fall interiors, fall preparation, holiday lighting, home lighting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, warm colors, warm hues
Posted in Color Schemes, Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, October 17th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Rondure 1 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce 22497
Great design is not all about the kind of lighting that you choose. It is also about you considering the function for the space and then its lighting needs. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms need to be well-lit. Make sure that you use task lighting in the busiest rooms, after all, there is nothing worse than prepping dinner then you end up not seeing what you’re chopping. Incorrect lighting placement can put shadows on the busiest work spaces. This is why you need to have an efficient lighting plan.
Outdoor Lighting Types
Outdoor lighting is more complex to plan for because you are essentially extending the garden after sundown. Well-chosen lighting fixtures can also become wonderful security measures.
There are various lighting types to choose from but most fit into these two categories – accent and task lighting. The former draws attention to the areas that you want to showcase like sculpture and trees. This kind of lighting will also take the eyes away from eyesores such as the garden shed or clotheslines.
Task lighting, on the other hand, refers to practical lighting for your landscape. You could use this when you want to prepare food outdoors. This is also a kind of security and decorative lighting.
You now need to choose between halogen and LED (light emitting diode) lights for your outdoor paradise. Halogen lighting is the traditional landscape lights. These emit a yellow light, hence, they use up more energy than LED lighting. Halogen is a good way to romanticize the outdoors.
LEDs have a whiter light which will show the actual color of the landscape. They are also cost effective.
Uttermost Accessories Joselyn, Small Wall Sconces, S2 19311
Lighting Designs
There is an endless array of lighting designs to choose from. The main designs are – uplighting, downlighting, spotlights, surface lights, path lights, and wall lighting.
Uplighting is directed upwards since it is used to feature landscape wonders such as fountains and trees. Downlighting is positioned downwards such as fixtures found on the carport roof.
Spotlights are bright lights that are often aimed at particular features such as a sculpture, tree or any beautiful water feature. Surface lighting is built into step surfaces, decks and walls. This is the lighting that you need to enhance security in your home.
Path lighting can be placed on intervals on the walkway or pathway. Their function is pretty simple – so you won’t trip as you walk at night. Lastly, wall lighting is that flat panel that is built into your walls. It illuminates the feature wall and can even highlight the boundary for security measure.
Power Sources
There are often two power sources to choose from – solar or mains power. Solar energy is the best kind of energy source if you are environmentally-conscious. It is a renewable energy source which means you can recharge the batteries during the day and use them during the night.
You can say goodbye to unsightly cables if you choose to use solar-powered outdoor lights. These may not be as bright as electric lights, though, so make sure to weigh your options before you jump on the bandwagon.
If you pick electricity as your energy source, then you are going to need a transformer. This will act like a power board where the lights and power point are plugged in. Ask a professional electrician about the number of lights that are allowed to be assigned to one transformer. It is probable that you would need more than one transformer for your outdoor lighting.
Electrical lights require cables and wiring. You can do the installation yourself so long as you would just use a 12-volt transformer.
Tags: general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, landscape lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor lighting, pathway lights, security lights, shopping for lighting fixture, tips
Posted in Lighting, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Friday, September 16th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130
The mere mention of the term chandelier makes one think of class and sophistication. This is that ornate lighting fixture which is just as much decoration as it is a lighting source. Most of the ideas from the ancient times still haven’t changed although those that did were marvelously welcomed.
The word chandelier originated from a French term, chandelle, which literally means candle holder. In the beginning that was the original function of this lighting fixture. Historically speaking, the first batch of chandeliers appeared on the 14th century. There were no frills during that time, design-wise. In fact, the chandeliers then were so simple that all it took to design them were two wooden beams that formed a cross. This cross had a spike at its end that held candles.
Structures that needed chandeliers back then were abbeys, churches and other large gathering areas. The cost of chandeliers could only be afforded by the wealthy. These were the only people who were able to buy and maintain such pieces.
After the candle era of the chandelier, it welcomed gas lighting which led to the birth of gasoliers. It was during this time that chandeliers were slowly converted into gas holders rather than candles. This trend continued till the advent of electrical lighting.
But those days are long gone.
Chandelier History Continued
As production and materials greatly improved over time, so did the look and ornate nature of chandeliers. Materials were no longer limited to metal or wood; other options now include glass, crystals, etc. These lighting fixtures are now even considered as art. They are also status symbols; with the more intricate ones seen to be more sophisticated.
Interestingly, chandeliers are now bigger and more extravagant. Most of the time, the emphasis is no longer just on illumination anymore. Lighting designs have become so artistic that form has taken over function many times.
But, once again, those days are slowly coming to an end.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Botanic 4 Light Milk Glass Chandelier 21271
Modern Chandeliers
These days, the function over form concept is, once again, being embraced. Rooms are made extra special not solely because of the chandelier’s beauty but more of its achieved function. Modern chandeliers come with the needed lighting for dining rooms, living rooms, even bedrooms. They also still come with that wonderful glow that adds an extra appeal and character in those rooms.
One of the major characteristics of chandeliers these days is versatility. Wherever you place them, they are out to beautify and fulfill their lighting duties.
Modern chandeliers come in different colors, shapes, sizes, styles and patterns. There is also a wide array of materials that you could choose from. Crystals may be the most common design pattern nowadays but one cannot discredit the beauty of glass and metal chandeliers. There are even those that come with faux candles and other such interesting designs.
Home lighting has never been this interesting but just make sure that you get the proper one for your home. Get one that’s too small and it would look like an eye sore there, one that’s totally out of place. Buy a humongous one and you’re left with an overpowering lighting fixture.
Proper sizing is a crucial factor if you don’t want to commit these mistakes. Take the time to measure the height of the ceiling down to the floor. See also if the chandelier is going to be placed above the dining table or the center table in the living room. Make sure that you leave enough room between the furnishings and the chandelier.
Balance is the key to handling the modernized chandelier so be very careful in making your choice.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, chandelier, designing with chandeliers, general lighting, history, history of chandeliers, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of chandeliers, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 29th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Daisy 8 Light Industrial Pendant 21284 looks traditional, perfect for those who are hesitant to cross from vintage to modern.
Lighting in residential spaces consumes about 8-15% of the household budget. There are factors to consider when gauging lighting technology. One is lighting design, another is the user behavior, also the efficiency of the light that will be used. The last factor (efficiency) will greatly affect the household’s energy savings.
In the year 2012, the average energy use in homes showed varied results. This is because the climate can also be a huge factor on how lighting is used in each home. For household use, energy is essential for water heating, cooling or heating, and the use of appliances.
Lighting homes should have the objective of providing comfort and a safe environment. The lighting used must also be visually appealing. Nowadays, with green living and all being propagated, it is also important to know that your light is as energy efficient as it claims.
Lighting Design
Thinking of proper lighting design fuses different day and electric lighting strategies. You need to optimize certain aspects so that light will be properly distributed inside your home. You also need to consider the whole house’s energy impact in order to minimize the overall energy use, if needs be.
Lighting design also takes advantage of glazing technologies as well as shading strategies. These can be used to moderate the spectrum and intensity of the lighting that is used as well as the daylight that is allowed to stream inside a home.
Lighting can also be set up so that heat gain is minimized during cooling season while heat loss is reduced during heating season.
Lighting design also chooses the right window aperture size, shading and glazing for every orientation.
Daylighting Explained
Daylighting science makes use of daylight to negate the use of electric light. Daylight sources include sunlight, a directional beam, skylight, or a diffuse light that is about a tenth of the sunlight’s illumination. Daylight is wonderful as it constantly alters its colors, direction, even its intensity.
With this in mind, make sure that you design your home in such a way that it would only require electric lighting at night.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Toledo Industrial Lamp 29332-1 offers a metallic look that veers towards modernism.
Industrial Lighting Put to Good Use
Lighting upgrades can significantly cut your energy costs. You can have your existing fixtures retrofitted so that ample light will be provided without upping your costs and diminishing your comfort.
LED lights are a necessity. They are efficient, durable, long-lasting, and they offer a lot of design options. These are environment friendly lights which you can operate with zero emission.
Upgrade your home lighting now to LED industrial lights in order to increase your energy savings. Whether you require high ceiling lights, fluorescents, or LED pendants, it’s high time to change to what’s modern and cost effective.
Remember also that industrial elements are quite huge in interior design nowadays so you would surely be the talk of the town as you embrace the trend. Industrial materials are not, of course, for the faint of heart but it is surely a move that you will never regret.
This is where industrial lighting best comes in. It will create a bold statement yet subdued enough to those who aren’t ready to go all in.
Industrial Lighting Applications
Industrial style pendants are best placed over the kitchen island. First, they are functional and now they also have the added feature of being visually pleasing. Use industrial lighting to stage a specific theme inside any room. You can go rustic with this light if you use the same style on the lighting fixtures and the railings of the stairs.
Try to think beyond mere metal when designing your industrial lighting. You can also use glass for your pendants.
Tags: daylight, general lighting, home lighting, industrial lighting, interior lighting, layered lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016
Uttermost Accessories Garvin Twist Sconce With Candle 19476
Interior design lists lighting as one of the crucial elements yet it is one of the most overlooked phases in design. An effective lighting plan should improve the overall look of the room, furnishings, even the colors.
There are three kinds of lighting that can work together in order to achieve balance. These are the task, accent and ambient lighting. A wall sconce, depending on where it was installed, can fit into any of these three categories.
If you snubbed wall sconces in the past, well, it’s time to reconsider. Minus any wiring task, there are pluggable sconces that can up your fashion statement.
Cords Can be Fashionable
Who said wall sconce cords are plain nuisance? Most wall sconces now come with cords that are meant to be displayed. There are also built-in channels that can improve the wall sconce’s decorative appeal. Many lighting suppliers now offer channels which you can add to wall sconces to cover any unsightly cord. The cord can then be concealed behind paneling or furniture.
Be bold as you choose the wall sconce cord that you will display. This can be made of sparkling metal or any bright-colored channel. You always have the option to spray paint the cord, too, so that it would easily match the color of your walls.
Free Up Your Desk
Get rid of that old table lamp which just eats up desk space. While it is an effective task light, having it feels like you are still working inside the office and not at home. If you have decided to set up a home office, then be sure to tone down the lights. You are, after all, alone in your office environment so you can now adjust the task lighting.
Use the same ol’ plug for your sconce but, this time, instead of a bulky table lamp, what you have is a modern look that didn’t just diminish the amount of clutter on your desk but also gave your home office a more fashionable appeal.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Cristal De Lisbon 2-Lt Wall Sconce 22401
Closet Conversion
Another way that a wall sconce could come in handy is when you convert a closet into a disappearing home office. Every square inch counts and so a wall sconce is a great way to optimize available work space; the wall sconce will also make the closet feel less of a closet.
Wall Balance
What wall wouldn’t look lovelier if you place a pair of wall sconces on it? Plug-in wall sconces can effectively frame a lovely art piece. This pair of ambient light can bring attention to your piece of art which is something that you would want the beholders to do.
Be Gone Awkward Areas
There are areas in your home that are a bit more difficult to light. Such is the case with your reading nook, corners and window bench. A pair of wall sconces will effectively add another layer of light (apart from the natural light brought in by the windows). These nooks can be beautifully framed and the result is a jewel-like spot.
When setting up for a reading corner, use a downward-facing lighting fixture. A swing-arm sconce will also be a great spotlight.
Save Bedside Reading Space
If you have a cottage interior design, you can choose a bronze or black plug-in sconce for your bedside light. This is a great way to provide guests with individual reading light while still adding to the cottage appeal. The space is also saved for the nightstand where they can place their eyeglasses and books as they doze off.
Wall sconces can be awesome architectural highlighters. Cap your living room, bedroom, dining room, even bathroom looks as you place pairs of sconces on your walls.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient lighting, designing the lights, general lighting, home lighting, interior lighting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wall sconce, wall sconce design, wall sconce installation
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, April 9th, 2016
FFDM Hyde Park Collection: The wall installed lighting fixtures with their warm glow add a different level of elegance to this dining room.
The dining room is one room in your home that needs to have the correct ambience and lighting. But should this light sparkle or should it just highlight certain points?
More often than not, the dining area is a much smaller room than, say, the master bedroom or the living room. The lighting fixture that you end up choosing could become the central feature of the dining room itself so this can be a lovely piece of jewelry that can also serve its function.
Be adventurous when choosing dining room lighting. Keep in mind that this is something that you will enjoy looking at but won’t get touch that much. You can afford to invest in the prettiest sort of light because it is at an area where food or beverages won’t be spilt.
The dining room lighting should primarily set the mood and everything else will follow.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Different Table Shapes, Different Lighting
So what sort of fixture should you hang over a round or rectangular piece of dining table? The answer to this question simply depends on the design and architecture of your the dining space. The form and size of the table also matter.
Linear lighting fixtures work best with rectangular tables. These are those pendant lights that are crisp and elegant, complete with perfect proportions. See if you can find a piece that is a third of the actual length of the dining table.
A small round table, on the other hand, can do with an equally round or globe chandelier. There is a need to echo the shape of the table here. If you don’t want to have two round objects inside a single room, then you can cluster some pendant lights. Use an odd number to come up with this cluster.
Lighting Quality
If you want to be guaranteed of lighting quality, then be sure to install the fixture 36 inches from the bottom part of the fixture till the top of the dining table. This is the standard height where you can effectively hang dining room lighting.
Where a large architectural space is involved, you can do as much as 40 inches in order to accommodate the doubled height.
In picking the right bulbs, make sure that you always purchase the lights with dimmers. This is so you can adjust the light according to your needs. Having dinner with children means you should have as much light as possible. Say yes to bright light during such meal times.
If, however, you choose to have a relaxing dinner with your loved one during special occasions, then use the dimmers. Use 60 to 75-watt bulbs as the warmest lights are the most flattering to use inside a room, especially intimate spaces such as the bedroom or the dining room.
Most interior designers choose to have the light fixture centered on the dining table. This is not an absolute rule, though. You can also play a bit by using various light sources, linear formats, or light clustering.
Scale and proportion have a lot to do with the eventual quality of the dining room light. Typically, large fixtures should go in huge dining rooms and the smaller ones in, well, smaller rooms. But it can also be fun to watch a different set up at times.
For instance, wouldn’t it be nice to have a large chandelier inside a small dining area. This can be unique especially when you effectively use scaling and proportion.
Choose a Lighting Theme
Believe it or not, there is also a theme when it comes to lighting. Traditional dining rooms often incorporate beautiful crystal chandeliers or pendant lights. For the contemporary dining room, these lighting fixtures could be changed into the linear types.
If you want your dining room lighting to stand out, then you can also install track lighting, sconces or pin spots.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Tags: ceiling light, dining room light, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, February 21st, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Civenna 3 Light Pendant 21992 is a classy addition to any traditional home.
If you are thinking of updating your ceiling lights, then don’t automatically buy lampshades and settle for those that match your current decor. There is so much more to ceiling light that you should consider such as style, color, uses, and many more. You have now probably come to appreciate the benefits of correct lighting for certain rooms in your home. A simple light fitting can make or break the overall beauty of your home.
So what are the things that you need to consider when investing in ceiling lights? There are a number of aspects to look into but the fundamental one is to find out your lighting needs. Look at the rooms that need immediate ceiling lights then find out which fixtures will enhance those places.
Size Up the Room
First, consider the width of the room. Narrow, lengthy rooms can be quite awkward to illuminate. It would be wrong to install a pendant light into this kind of room, instead, you should use track lighting. Various spotlights can be mounted on a track so the light can be evenly distributed throughout the narrow room.
Kitchen and dining areas would also do well to have track lighting installed. If you want to add a touch of elegance to these rooms, then have the track light come with polished chrome.
The Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Akron 1 Light Copper Mini Pendant 21972 is just right for a rustic surrounding.
Measure the Height
Ceiling lights are those lights that you need to install up there. Chandeliers and pendant lights are perfect for higher ceilings. If your home happens to have a low ceiling which is the case in many modern houses, then use flush or semi-flush fitting instead.
Crystal glass shades will look elegant in a spacious dining area. The more modern, metallic ones will look equally great in a modern setting.
Update Your Lighting
A quick way to update your home lighting is to replace the existing shades. This is your lazy option, of course, and there is nothing wrong with it. For as long as you stylize it correctly, then you can actually get away with it. If you have been using a transparent shade for the longest time, then why not change to a more modern pastel shade? This is especially restful inside the bedroom.
Keeping it simple is also a good way to update your lights. Use streamlined designs for modern homes and the more ornate ones are perfect for those who live in a traditional setting.
Those who want to make a bold statement, on the other hand, can always use lighting fixtures with funky designs and colors.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Gironico Round 5 Light Pendant 21997
Know the Ceiling Light Issues
One of the concerns for lighting a wet room is that – it is wet. If you do not know what an IP rating is, it is a way to measure how well each fitting can be protected from water or dust. IP 44, for instance, is a rating that is just right for the bathroom.
Another issue with ceiling light installation is how to childproof it. This should be done in rooms that are predominantly used by many children. Of course, you would want your light to be child-friendly while providing your illumination needs.
If your little ones want to fall asleep while the lights are still on, then find a diffuser for that particular room.
What Is the Level of Illumination
You should also think about the amount of light that you would need in each room. Each room requires different lighting. The kitchen, for instance, is lit differently from the bedroom; as is the home office from the home bar.
Larger rooms also require bigger and brighter lights. Alternatively, there are smaller fittings for rooms that do not need an awful amount of light. The lighting style which you are trying to achieve also makes a huge difference on what kind of ceiling light you will use.
Be Efficient Yet Visually Pleasant
Low energy or LED lighting are worth your investment since they can save you lots of money in the long run. Ceiling lights have to develop a sense of harmony with the rest of the home design. It would be pointless to save some money only to be left with an unattractive ceiling light right in the middle of a room.
Tags: accent lighting, ceiling light, chandelier, general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
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